Description
Maple balsamic brussels sprouts deliver a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors for vegetable enthusiasts. Roasted until crispy and caramelized, these sprouts provide a delightful side dish you will absolutely crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsps pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (for a festive touch)
- 2 tbsps crumbled feta or goat cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (because bacon makes everything better!)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and ignite to 425°F, establishing an ideal roasting climate for Brussels sprouts.
- Surface Setup: Lay parchment paper on rimmed baking sheet or apply cooking spray to prevent adhesion and facilitate effortless post-cooking cleanup.
- Vegetable Preparation: Cleanse Brussels sprouts under cool water, meticulously eliminating exterior debris, then slice each sprout longitudinally, creating flat surfaces primed for caramelization.
- Flavor Infusion: Within a capacious mixing bowl, cascade maple syrup and balsamic vinegar over halved sprouts, gently tumbling to ensure comprehensive glaze coverage while incorporating salt and pepper for comprehensive seasoning.
- Roasting Configuration: Strategically position glazed sprouts on prepared sheet, cut-sides downward, maximizing potential for crisp edges and rich caramelization.
- Culinary Transformation: Roast in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, midway rotating pan to guarantee uniform bronzing and prevent potential scorching, until sprouts achieve a deep golden-brown exterior with crispy, enticing edges signaling perfect doneness.
Notes
- Maximize Caramelization: Position Brussels sprouts cut-side down for crispy, golden-brown edges that enhance flavor and texture.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Spread sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and prevent steaming.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs, using honey or agave as alternative sweeteners.
- Boost Nutrition: Experiment with additional toppings like toasted nuts, crispy bacon bits, or nutritional yeast to add protein and extra depth to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg